Striker Yang Xu scored four goals as China thrashed Bhutan 12-0 in 2018 World Cup Asian Zone Group C qualifier here on Thursday.
China now stay in third place in Group C behind leaders Qatar and Hong Kong, China, which edged the Maldives 1-0 on Thursday. The Chinese team need to win their remaining matches to keep alive their hopes of advancing to the next phase as one of the four best second-placed teams in eight groups.
Cheered on by more than 25,000 home fans at the Helong Stadium, Mei Fang opened the scoring for China in the 10th minute, before Yang Xu found the back of the net four times (13', 21', 38', 53') to take his tally to seven in the World Cup qualifiers.
Yu Dabao, Yu Hanchao and Wang Yongpo each scored two goals as the match turned into a lop-sided play. Midfielder Zhang Xizhe completed the rout with a low shot in the 89th minute.
China coach Alain Perrin was delighted with the performance of his side.
"Today's game boosted our confidence a lot. I hope my players will play better when they face the Hong Kong in our next game," Perrin told a post-match press conference.
"We must get fully prepared for it."
Bhutan head coach Pema said that they had done their utmost and what they need to do is play better in the next match.
